Photo by Meghan Marchetti, DWR
Today, it is more important than ever for Virginia hunters to mentor and help people of all ages learn how to hunt. What if it could be easier to find access to high quality land with abundant wildlife populations without fear of overcrowdedness from other hunters? Those opportunities are available in Virginia and within reach through DWR’s Quota Hunts for Apprentice and Youth hunters!
From hunting rabbits in New Kent County to spring turkeys in Amelia, there are chances for everyone to take advantage of hunting land with little to no competition from other hunters. These Quota Hunts are a recipe for creating an unforgettable hunting experience and an ideal scenario for mentoring new and novice hunters of all ages.
Read the descriptions below to find your next hunting adventure then head over to Go Outdoor Virginia to get started.
Both apprentice and licensed hunters are encouraged to apply for Quota Hunts, but successful license holders MUST bring an apprentice license holder as a guest, and successful apprentice applicants MUST bring a licensed adult as a guest. Youth and Apprentice Hunting Days are September 28 and 29 (Deer), October 12 and 13 (Bear and Fall Turkey), and April 4 and 5 (Spring Turkey).
Deer
- Apprentice Hunter – New Kent Forestry Center Archery/Muzzleloader/Firearms (Series #219)
This hunt allows hunters to hunt for 7 days on designated lands at the New Kent Forestry Center in New Kent County.- All successful applicants must bring one Licensed Apprentice Hunter as their guest.
- Apprentice Hunters are also welcome to apply but must bring a Licensed Hunter as a guest mentor.
- Applications due: September 27, 2019
- Youth Hunter – York River State Park Archery/Crossbow (Series #218)
This archery and crossbow hunt allows hunters to hunt for 7 days on designated lands at the York River State Park in James City County.- All successful adult applicants must bring one Licensed Youth Hunter (age 12-15).
- Youth Hunters are also welcome to apply but must bring a Licensed Adult Hunter.
- Applications due: September 27, 2019
- Hockley Experimental Forest Apprentice Hunter Deer Hunt (Series #221)
This hunt allows apprentice and mentor hunters to hunt deer (Archery, Muzzleloader, Firearm) on Saturdays and Federal Holidays at the Hockley Experimental Forest in King and Queen County.- All successful applicants must bring one Licensed Apprentice Hunter as their guest.
- Apprentice Hunters are also welcome to apply but must bring a Licensed Hunter as a guest mentor.
- Applications due: August 30, 2019
Multispecies
- Merrimac Farm WMA (Series #303)
Hunt any species in season (except quail) on Merrimac Farm WMA in Prince William County.- Open for all Youth and Apprentice Hunting Days.
- Applications due: August 30, 2019
- Adams Daniel Farm (Series #304)
Hunt any game species in season on the Adams Daniel Farm in Pittsylvania County. This property is owned by the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia.- Open for all Youth and Apprentice Hunting Days.
- Applications due: August 30, 2019
Small Game
- New Kent Forestry Center (Series #606)
Take this opportunity to hunt designated and managed lands for rabbits and mentor an Apprentice Licensed Hunter at New Kent Forestry Center in Providence Forge.- All successful applicants must bring one Licensed Apprentice Hunter as their guest.
- Apprentice Hunters are also welcome to apply but must bring a Licensed Hunter as a guest mentor.
- Applications dues: September 27, 2019
- New Kent Forestry Center (Series #607)
Take this opportunity to hunt designated and managed lands for quail and mentor an APPRENTICE Licensed Hunter at New Kent Forestry Center in Providence Forge, New Kent County. Dogs are encouraged.- All successful applicants must bring one Licensed Apprentice Hunter as their guest.
- Apprentice Hunters are also welcome to apply but must bring a Licensed Hunter as a guest mentor.
- Applications due: September 27, 2019
Spring Turkey
- Featherfin WMA (Series #401)
Hunt spring gobblers in Appomattox, Buckingham, and Prince Edward Counties.- Open for Youth and Apprentice Hunting Day – April 4 and 5, 2020.
- Applications due: September 27, 2019
- Amelia WMA (Series #402)
Hunt spring gobblers on the Amelia WMA in Amelia County.- Open for Youth and Apprentice Hunting Day – April 4 and 5, 2020.
- Applications due: September 27, 2019
- Mockhorn Island WMA (Series #403)
Hunt spring gobblers on the GATR Tract of Mockhorn Island WMA, Northampton County. The GATR Tract is the mainland part of Mockhorn Island WMA on the Eastern Shore.- Open for Youth and Apprentice Hunting Day – April 4 and 5, 2020.
- Applications due: September 27, 2019
- Merrimac Farm WMA (Series #404)
Hunt spring gobblers on Merrimac Farm WMA in Prince William County.- Open for Youth and Apprentice Hunting Day – April 4 and 5, 2020.
- Applications due: September 27, 2019
- Doe Creek WMA (Series #405)
Hunt spring gobblers on the Doe Creek WMA and Mink Farm Tract in Accomack County. These lands are on the bayside of the Eastern Shore.- Open for Youth and Apprentice Hunting Day – April 4 and 5, 2020.
- Applications due: September 27, 2019
- Ware Creek WMA (Series #409)
Hunt spring gobblers on the Ware Creek WMA in New Kent County.- Open for Youth and Apprentice Hunting Day – April 4 and 5, 2020.
- Applications due: September 27, 2019
- Adams Daniel Farm (Series #410)
Hunt spring gobblers on the Adams Daniel Farm in Pittsylvania County.- Open for Youth and Apprentice Hunting Day – April 4 and 5, 2020.
- Applications due: September 27, 2019
- New Kent Forestry Center (Series #408)
This is a 1 day opportunity to take and mentor an Apprentice Hunter on a Spring Turkey Hunt on designated lands at New Kent Forestry Center.- All successful applicants must bring one Licensed Apprentice Hunter as their guest.
- Apprentice Hunters are also welcome to apply but must bring a Licensed Hunter as a guest mentor.
- Applications due: September 27, 2019
- NEW – Mattaponi Bluffs WMA (Series #413)
Hunt spring gobblers on the Mattaponi Bluffs WMA in Caroline County.- Open for Youth and Apprentice Hunting Day – April 4 and 5, 2020.
- Applications due: September 27, 2019
- NEW – Hockley Experimental Forest Apprentice (Series #414)
This hunt allows apprentice and mentor hunters to hunt turkey during the spring season on Saturdays and Federal Holidays at the Hockley Experimental Forest in King and Queen County.- All successful applicants must bring one Licensed Apprentice Hunter as their guest.
- Apprentice Hunters are also welcome to apply but must bring a Licensed Hunter as a guest mentor.
- Applications due: September 27, 2019
